My name is Caleb, and I am a 20-year-old web developer and entrepreneur from Bowling Green, Ohio. Born on February 27, 2005, I am a male (he/him/his) who has spent my life turning obstacles into opportunities. My story is one of constant motion, not just between towns, but through personal challenges that have forged a deep sense of resilience, empathy, and purpose in me. It’s the story of how I found my passion for technology and my mission to support others.

The thread of my early life was woven through the towns of Northwest Ohio. While I was born in Toledo, my story truly began in Risingsun, a small town where I spent nearly nine years. That period felt like home, a stable foundation. But life had a different lesson for me: adaptability. What followed was a whirlwind of new addresses and new schools. A year and a half in Perrysburg, a brief return to Risingsun, a year in Bowling Green, another year and a half in Jerry City. Each move meant being the "new kid" all over again. It meant learning to navigate new hallways, new social circles, and the bittersweet process of making friends only to have to say goodbye. It was a challenging, often lonely experience, but it taught me how to connect with people quickly and to find my footing in any environment. My final move, back to Bowling Green, was different. This time, I came by myself, as part of a program designed to help me build my future. It was a deliberate, independent step towards taking control of my destiny.

My education followed a similarly winding path. Starting at Lakota Local Schools, I experienced the comfort of a consistent community from kindergarten through 7th grade. The transition to the much larger Perrysburg Junior High for 8th grade was a culture shock, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I started 9th grade at Perrysburg High School, only to move back to the familiar halls of Lakota on February 27, 2020—my 15th birthday. A mid-year school change is disruptive for any teenager, but it reinforced the lessons of my childhood: be flexible, be strong, and keep moving forward.

The real turning point came when I enrolled at Penta Career Center for my 10th-grade year. The Sophomore Exploratory Program was a revelation. For the first time, I had the chance to actively shape my future. I spent my first semester exploring the world of business, learning the mechanics of commerce. In the second semester, I tried the construction trades. While I enjoyed the process of building, I realized I was more drawn to creating with my mind than with my hands.

The following year, it all clicked. I entered the Information Technology program and felt an immediate sense of belonging. The logic, the problem-solving, the endless potential of the digital world—it captivated me. This passion wasn't entirely new; it was the same creative spark I'd felt for years while playing simulation games like Farming Simulator, Minecraft, and Cities Skylines 2, where I would spend hours building intricate worlds and complex systems. In IT, I found a way to turn that passion into a profession. I poured myself into my studies, earning my TestOut PC Pro certification and proving to myself that I had found my calling.

In my senior year, I chose to specialize further in the cybersecurity side of IT. I saw it as a natural progression from learning how to build digital infrastructures to learning how to protect them. Thanks to the resources Penta provided, I earned my cybersecurity certifications, adding a critical layer of expertise to my skill set.

Underlying this entire journey is a personal reality that has profoundly shaped my worldview. I live with ADHD, hydrocephalus, anxiety, PTSD, and an intellectual disability. Navigating daily life with these challenges has been its education. It has taught me patience, perseverance, and the true meaning of empathy. It has given me a unique lens through which to see the world and a powerful motivation to help others who face their struggles.

This motivation is the heart of my proudest accomplishment: the founding of my company, Caleb's Merch Store. After graduation, I launched this business not just as a commercial venture, but as a platform for a cause. The store is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for people with physical, mental, and psychological disabilities. It is the culmination of my life's experiences—my entrepreneurial spirit, my desire to connect, and my firsthand understanding of the need for a supportive community.

Today, my life is a blend of digital creation, entrepreneurship, and community connection. I am a focused web developer, fluent in the languages of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, using platforms like GitHub to build and collaborate. I am a business owner with a mission, pouring my energy into Caleb's Merch Store. Alongside these pursuits, I work as an Inside Crew Member at Jet's Pizza here in Bowling Green, a role I began on April 27, 2025. This job keeps me grounded and connected to my local community in a hands-on way. I am a young man who has learned to transform a life of challenges into a source of strength. My past has made me who I am, and I am excited to use all my skills, my story, and my voice to continue building a more inclusive and understanding world.